Commercial Truck Accidents
When we get into an accident, we probably have a good idea about what to do. We exchange information, take a few photographs of the vehicle damage, call the police, and then see a doctor if needed. However, we aren’t as often told what not to do in the event of a car accident. It is especially vital that you know what mistakes not to make when handling a commercial truck accident since these crashes tend to result in substantial physical injury and property damage.
An attorney has seen the ways that victims of commercial truck accidents can get seriously hurt, and suggests avoiding the following if possible:
Do Not Talk About Who Is At-Fault
In a very tense and heated moment, both drivers may be tempted to get out of their vehicles and yell at the other for being at-fault. An attorney advises to keep a level head and worry about your health first. If the truck driver is being confrontational, diffuse the situation by creating physical distance between you and the trucker and wait for the police to arrive. If you are greatly concerned about your safety, then call the police again and let them know the trucker is being hostile. It is possible that the trucker is under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol and isn’t in their right state of mind.
Do Not Go Against Medical Advice from Your Doctor
If your doctor says that you should rest, not lift more than 50+ pounds, or something else entirely, then do not go against these restrictions. The goal after a truck accident is to recover to the fullest extent possible. This is important for not only your health, but for your attorneys who are trying to protect you. You can expect the opposition to be carefully monitoring how you are handling your injuries, such as if you skip a doctor’s appointment or show any signs that you shouldn’t get any more compensation. In other words, if you aren’t following advice from your doctor, it may look like you aren’t actually that hurt.
Do Not Forget To Gather Evidence and Information
If you leave the scene of a truck accident with no photographs and without exchanging information with the trucker, then you are setting yourself up for further loss. In order to receive compensation and have your insurance claim approved, you have to show how you were impacted by the wreck. This means you will have to present proof such as copies of medical documentation, receipts for vehicle repairs, statements for loss of wages from missing work, etc. Be sure to share this information with your truck accident lawyer in Silver Spring, MD during your initial consultation.
Contact a law firm today if you are in need of legal representation regarding a terrible accident with a commercial truck driver. An attorney can take your call now, and answer any questions you may have.
Thanks to Cohen & Cohen, P.C. for their insight into personal injury claims and commercial truck accidents.
